Ojingeo Bokkeum (오징어 볶음) is a popular Korean dish featuring tender squid stir-fried with a spicy and savory sauce. This dish is renowned for its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture, making it a favorite in Korean cuisine. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner looking to try something new, Ojingeo Bokkeum is a fantastic choice that will surely impress.
Ingredients
- Squid: 500 grams, cleaned and sliced into rings
- Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Carrot: 1 medium, julienned
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste): 2 tablespoons
- Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes): 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted
- Green onions: 2 stalks, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Clean and slice the squid into rings. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Slice the onion, bell peppers, and julienne the carrot.
- Mince the garlic and ginger.
Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Adjust the quantity of gochujang and gochugaru according to your spice preference.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the Squid:
- Add the sliced squid to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the squid becomes opaque and slightly firm.
Combine with Sauce:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the squid and vegetables. Stir well to coat evenly.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly.
Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and toss to combine.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Tips
- Fresh Squid: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh squid. If using frozen squid, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and drained before cooking.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Modify the amount of gochujang and gochugaru to suit your taste. For a milder version, reduce the quantity or use less spicy alternatives.
- Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Ojingeo Bokkeum with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Variations
- Seafood Mix: Incorporate other seafood like shrimp or clams for a mixed seafood version of this dish.
- Non-Spicy Option: Use less gochujang and gochugaru or substitute with sweet soy sauce for a non-spicy version.
- Spicy: For extra heat, increase the amount of gochugaru or add a few slices of fresh chili peppers.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving
- Protein: 20 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
The calorie count can vary based on the amount of oil used and portion size. For a healthier option, use less oil and more vegetables.
Conclusion
Ojingeo Bokkeum is a flavorful and satisfying Korean dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its combination of tender squid, crisp vegetables, and a spicy-sweet sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, Ojingeo Bokkeum offers a delicious taste of Korean cuisine that’s both easy to make and enjoyable to eat.
